New Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid revealed, arrives mid-2017

Porsche’s new Panamera range just got a bit bigger and a little bit greener with the addition of a new plug-in Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.

With an average fuel consumption of just 2.5L/100km and emissions of 56g/km, the new E-Hybrid has an electric only range of 50km with a top speed of 140km/h in EV mode.

The powertrain consists of a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 of 243kW and 450Nm, paired up with an electric motor that spins out 100kW and 400Nm. This combines for an overall output of 340kW and 700Nm.

In the previous plug-in hybrid you had to depress the accelerator to 80 per cent of its travel to wake up the e-motor, but this time around it plays a more integral role in the scheme of things. Flat-out acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds.

Feeding the electric motor is a new liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with a 14.1kWh capacity – a 4.7kWh increase with no weight gain. Charging is possible through a standard 230V outlet where it takes 3.6 hours, with Porsche Communication Management monitoring the charging process.

An eight-speed dual-clutch PDK makes lighting quick work of gearshifts compared to the conventional torque converter unit of its predecessor. The car is capable of 278km/h in Sport Plus mode with the engine and motors on full song.

The order books are now open in Australia with prices starting at $242,600. Deliveries will commence in the middle of next year.

Mitchell was a contributing journalist and features writer at PerformanceDrive. He has been a passionate petrol-head from a very young age. He is excited by the future of the industry, and considers himself as a bit of a fanatic when it comes to the technical aspects of cars. He is also fascinated by new cars that are popping up in developing markets.